Nebraska train car explosion: Thick cloud of ‘heavy, toxic smoke’ visible on tracks as state police issue urgent evacuation orders
Authorities in Nebraska issued evacuation orders after a train car exploded, causing “thick toxic smoke” to leak into the air.
The incident occurred earlier in the day on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the town of North Platte and resulted in the closure of a section of highway.
The North Platte Volunteer Fire Department announced they would evacuate the area due to the train track fire.
In a social media post they said: “Emergency evacuation of area between shine and north front of railway line due to fire on railway line involving heavy toxic smoke.
“Explosion at Bailey Yards Union Pacific Railroad station at approximately 12:10 p.m..”
The incident occurred earlier in the day on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the town of North Platte and resulted in the closure of a section of highway.
Nebraska State Police said the smoke was coming from a wagon fire in the Nebraska town.
Photos shared online by the crew show a thick plume of white smoke moving across farmland.
Other images were shared on social media, including a video showing thick smoke engulfing an area.
An emergency SMS notification was sent to civilians in the local area, warning of the evacuation of residences and road closures, according to Atlas News.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Union Pacific Railroad said an explosion occurred inside a container, causing several rail cars to catch fire.
The car did not derail, the company said, and had remained in the yard for several hours.
Union Pacific said one of the containers contained a dangerous chemical called perchloric acid.
Perchloric is a hazardous material used in foods, drugs and biocidal products, as well as explosives.
According to the company, no staff members were injured in the initial explosion.
Authorities said they closed a section of road, visible here in red, because of smoke from the fire.
Photos were shared on social media showing smoke billowing into the city’s air.
In a statement, the Nebraska State Patrol said, “Emergency crews are on the scene of a wagon fire between North Platte and Hershey.
“Anyone between Front Road and Splinter Road, from Highway 30 1 mile north, is asked to evacuate the area.
“Highway 30 is CLOSED in the area at this time. I-80 is not affected.
